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Talkin' trash: So easy, a caveman could do it.

By Sylvia SchneiderCity of Carlsbad

Posted:
03/15/2014 09:04:44 AM MDT

Remember the commercials, "so easy, a caveman could do it"? They imply that a caveman is only capable of the most menial of tasks, which upsets a modern-day caveman who happens to be present. Carlsbad is one of the few places where calling someone a "caveman" might not be considered offensive. From athletes to mathletes and everything in between, as representatives of Carlsbad High School, the Cavemen are known and respected throughout the state.

These commercials also imply that over time, things change, as evidenced by the more sophisticated caveman. You may not notice it, but we are in a constant state of change. Little changes occur daily; for example, weather issues may cause us to reroute a route (which is the main reason we ask that roll-outs be at the curb by 7 a.m.). Other changes, which may take more time or affect only a small segment of the populace, may not be on your immediate radar. Replacing dumpsters with roll-outs is a good example of isolated change.

And change, it is a comin'. Some changes are designed to save money, e.g., fine-tuning regular routes to be more fuel-efficient or streamlining services to better manage time and employees. We are committed to being good stewards of our municipal resources, so when we make a change it's usually after a thorough consideration of options. If we try something and it works, we can move on to the next change. If there are problems with a change we didn't foresee, then we make corrections and change it again. Some things, however, are not on the horizon to change: we offer a nice variety of services, which includes alley and curbside pickup for trash; grapple service for yard waste and bulk trash; curbside and drop-off recycling; household hazardous waste events; tire baling and a six-day-a-week convenience station, not to mention providing containers for special community events.

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These things are not going to change, at least, not anytime soon.

Some changes, like "springing forward" affect everyone, so I do hope you remembered to change your clocks! With the time change we will have extended work hours at the convenience station – which is part of the whole point of Daylight Saving Time in the first place. Starting Monday, March 10, the convenience station at 302 E. Plaza will be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday! Whether you're working on your landscaping, putting in a garden or doing major spring cleaning, you will have an option for disposal of larger quantities of yard waste or household trash, or larger items from your residence. (Key word here is RESIDENCE). Commercial trash, including residential yard waste generated by a landscaping contractor should be transported to Sand Point Landfill off the Hobbs Highway. (Let me be PERFECTLY clear – if you hire someone to work in your yard, trim trees, etc., they are functioning as a landscaping contractor. If THEY do not take yard waste to Sand Point, then YOU should do so).

In the next few weeks, the Solid Waste Department will be taking an in-depth look into everything we do, from the route maps to the policy manuals, in an effort to improve what we do and get the biggest bang for our municipal buck. Along the way and as a result, there will be change. We invite you to embrace the change and know that we are here to serve the needs of municipal government. We want to ensure that we have a good working relationship with you.